Boxmaking machine



Box-MAKING MACHINE 11 hee tssheet 1 Filed May 16, 1945 Sept. 20, 1949. A. l... RosENMUND Box-MAKING MACHINE 11' shuts-sheet :a-

Filed May 16, 1945l LI-I-.LILL .LILL

um 21mm. ,1 wn N Q INVENTOR. @44 I SePt- 20, 1949. A. L. RosENMUND 2,482,370

BOX-MAKING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1945 11 sheets-sheet 4 .="-l====4 -47 Lili- :.T-

4f 44 'gfxx?" 43a 4Z 56 @f y Q 34 I 5 2 9 7 ""6 INVENTOR. 39 36 M51'. QM(

Sept. 2 1949. A. L. Rosi-:NMUND BOX-MAKING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 16, 1945 y JNVNTOR.

Sept., 20, E949. v A. im Rost-:NMUN 2,482,370

Box-mane MACHINE Filed may 16,1945 11 Smets-sheet e +71- J POWER LIN E IN VEN TOR.

BY Bl/Muga MM SWL 2% W49.; A. L.. ROSENMUND 2,482,370

BOX-MAKING MACHINE Filed May 1e, i945 y 11 Sheetsfsneef 7 +7 FTW/"z L-- .1:17. Z3 4+ 44 rl 4?.

IN VEN TOR.

Sept., 209 H949.- A. L. RSENMUND BOLMAKING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 16, 1945 VIII INVENTOR. @5mg Gf. @www4 2Q BY A. L. RosENMUND Box-MAKING MACHINE sept. m, 1949.

11 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed May 16, 1945 INVENTOR.

Sept 20 1949- A. LjRosr-:NMUND BOX-MAKING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet l0 Filed May 16, 1945 INVENTUR. Alfred L. Rosenmund. BY

ooooooloaounnlo STAM Patented Sept. 20, 1949 2,4sz,310 Y Y e Alfred Le BosenmunrL. Woodporge .11,ass'g1orl to Staplngv Machines Delaware corporation of' application. MeyVL 1.6, 1945,. senator-o.. 593.29@

This invention relates to an improvement in. the

box-makingv machinedisclosed in. United States Patent No. 2,304,510, issuedDecember 8, 1942, and one. of its objects is toprov'ide. an improved automatic control for an operati-on` performing mechanism. such as the staplng. mechanism shown .invv

sai-d patent- Another object is to control the operations of.y the stapling mechanism through a seri-es. of. switchoperati-ng elements.

Another object is to control the operations-of the stapling mechanism by utilizingy an endless chain synchron-ized in movement with. the main. box blank conveyer` bands.

Another object is` to control the operations of. the stapling mechanism by utilizing an endless chain. located and operating in a position remote. from that oi the. conveyer bandsn Another object of the invention isthe. provision of a pattern control for the stapling. mechanism which can be set to control. the positions. of the staples to be driven. into a unit. of work and which automatically repeats its operationto. control the positions of the staples in a succession of units of. work.

Another object of the inventionis the provision of a pattern control for the stapling mechanism whichV can be adjusted for different sizes of units of work and which will function to startand stop the stapling mechanism in predetermined. sequence and to automatically repeat its cycle of operation on a succession of units of work.

While the pattern control mechanism in the illustrative embodiment ot the invention controls the operation of Staplers, it will be understood that suchcontrol mechanism may be usedto control the operation of other operation performing mechanisms of the machine synchronized with the conveyer movement to effect a like controlled operation of such mechanisms on a succession OljspacedY units of work without interrupting the operation of the machine. f

With the above and. other objects in view, thel invention relates to certain new and useful constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts clearly described in the following specication and fully illustrated in the accompanying' drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation, showing the left side of a box-making machine embodying the invention, with an end portion shown broken away.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, on a larger scale and broken away, of the right side-of the box-making machine, showing the automatic remote control mechanism and the synchronized drive therefor.-

2c chime.. (cifre-45.2.). f

Fig. 3 is adetailendelevationot the remote con.- tlOlv mechanism, .shown on, a larger scale..

Fig.. 4. is a fragmentary plan VView thereof.

"g, 5 is aside elevation of. a solenoid-operated.

brake, shown. enlarged;

f. Fig. -isran. enlarged detail side elevation of the automatic switch of. the remotes control mechanism which throws the. stapling: mechanism into and out: of operation; Y

Fig;.7 is anendviewthereof.

Fig.. 8. isatfragmentaryf plan ViewP of the.l box.- making machine, showing box parts positioned-1 on. the-conveyer bands., y

Fig...9 is a side elevation cian automatic start. switch for throwing the control mechanism into operation.

Fig. i0 is a fragmentaryplan view yof one of the;- endless conveyer bands of the.- box-makingmachineand related parts...

Fig. L1 Ais atransverse sectional view, taken on line H H of Fig. 10, looking. in the direction of the arrows..v 1

Fig.. 12 is. a diagrammatic view, showing the electrical connections for throwing theremote controll mechanism intoi and outof operation.

Fig. lf3v isadiag-rammatic View showing the. electrical: connections for throwing the stapling mechanism into and out of operation.

Fig.. 1.4 is,Y a diagmammatie.V Viewl of the completeV electrical system for the box-making machine.

Fig.. Elisa-fragmentary perspective View of one product of theV machinaJshowing a wired box. blank which, when folded, constitutes the com-- plete boa; v f Y,

Fig; 1lil is. a perspective view, showing a complete box b-eforelthetermi-nal wires have been joined. to;v

closethebox. Y.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of the machine,- with certain. parts omitted to show more clearly the assembled relationship of the staple control mechanism and the. rest-oi the machine.

' Fig. 1'8 is a vertical section through the. machine showing the drive for the stapli-ng mechanism- In said Patent No., 2,304,510, the stapling mechanism was controlled by means of a bar which was rockedirropposite directions Aby means of blocks carried by oneo the end-less conveyer bands, and the' rockingoi this bar controlled a switch which started' and stopped; the stapling mechanism, so

' that apredetermined' pattern formation of the driven staples would' result. More speci-cally, in theL machine: or said Patent No. 2,304,510, the sta.- pling mechanism was thrown intoA operation by deenergizing a solenoid", and was. thrown out of operation hy energizing;` the solenoid. The solenoid was deenergized and energized by a switch which, in turn, was operated by a rocking bar through blocks carried by one of the box conveyer bands.

This construction involved a direct operation of the means for controlling the stapling mechanism by the blocks on one of the conveyer bands and necessitated the location of control vblocks along the entire length of the conveyerband. Because the conveyer band is long enough to accommodate a plurality of units of work (usually six or seven), any change in the size oft aunit of work required a resetting of the controlblocks.

for each resetting of the machine for differentV boxes was a sever disadvantage to box manufacsized boxes was a severe disadvantage to box man"` ufacturers. Furthermore, the location of the. control blocks on the conveyer band interfered to a certain extent with and so retarded the laying of ystock to be fed by the conveyer band.

The present invention separates the control blocksY from the box part' conveyer system and utilizes a pattern holder which in the present embodiment is en endles chainV whichis consid-l erably shorter than thebox blank conveyors. The chain `carries suitable operating parts which in the present embodiment are control blocks arranged in the desired spacing to provide a timing pattern to start and stop `the operation of the stapling mechanism so thatfstaples willbe automatically applied in the patterned locations on the box blank parts under synchronized driving operation from the shaft of the main box part conveyer bands. i

rI"he invention also provides for continual registering of the pattern holder with the box-blank conveyer bands so that each unit of box-blank parts presented to thestapling mechanism is properly related to the pattern holder, and vice versa.

This endless control chainis located at a point on the machine frame remote from the conveyer bands and permits ofr standardized adjustments of the control blocks fordifferent sizes of boxes.

Referring to Fig. 1 I0 designates themachine frame, and l l the shaft for driving the large pulley Wheels I2, over whichY the flexible metal-conveyer bands |2a travel, as fully described in said Patent No. 2,304,510. -The bands |2a also travel over idler pulley wheels I3 at the other end of the machine. The bands are driven ata uniformspeed to con- Vey the box parts at a uniform speed under stapling mechanism shown generally at in Fig. 1. The stapling mechanism and its operation and the mechanism for driving' the conveyer ban'ds are fully shown and described in saidPatent No. 2,304,510l and need not be described in detail herein.` Y'

Referring to Figures 1 and 18, lthe vstapling mechanism is driven from shaft 59, and Figure 18 shows details of themechanism by which the stapling mechanism is driven. The staple formers and drivers (not shown) of the stapling mecha;- nism are operated by rock shafts '|38' and |43 respectively. Rock shaft |38 is rocked by a vertically reciprocating pitman |39 pivotally connected at its up per end to lever |40 -keyed to shaft |38, and atits lower end to a vertically movable framework, comprising upper` horizontal member and lower horizontal member |30a, and an intermediate horizontal membervl30b. Members |30 and are secured together by vertical rods |3| rigidly connecting them. Rods |3| pass through bores provided in intermediate member |3012, and

4 their vertical reciprocation is guided by brackets |33 and |34 through which rods |3| also pass. The framework as a whole is reciprocated vertically by a cam |35 keyed to shaft 59 and contacting rollers |36 carried by members |300, and |3017. Rollers |36 are held in contact with cam |35 by coil springs |37. Rotation of shaft 59 and cam |35 causes vertical reciprocation of the frame work and thereby produces reciprocation of pitman |39 and oscillation of rock shaft |38. A similar construction rocks shaft |43.

Rotation of shaft 59 is controlled by alternately deenergizing and energizing a solenoid |20, all as The labor cost and the loss ofmachine 'production 1 fully described in` said Patent No. 2,304,510. In the machine ofsaidfpatent, the solenoid was deenergized and energized through a switch operated by blocks carried by one of the box conveyer bands.V In the present machine, the solenoid |20 is deenergized and energized by a switch 41 (Fig. 3), which isy operated, in the manner hereinafter described, by'pins'33 Fi g;4) of control blocks 31 carried byan endless link chain 34 (Fig. 2) located remote vfrom the box conveyer bands, as hereinafter Hdescribed. 'Endlesschain 34,1carrying the stapler control pins 38,V is driven synchronously with the box conveyer bands while each unit of boxparts is passing beneath the stapling mechanism; andjits movement is then automatically stopped until the next unit of box parts reaches the `stapling mechanism, all as now described.

f I nthisway the timing' pattern of the pattern holdT er is registered With each unit of box parts startf ing through-the stapling mechanism.

u Referring to Fig. 2, the: conveyor drive shaft il" is equipped ony one end with a sprocket gear |4fwhichV drives an endless chain l5, and this chain khas driving engagement with a small sprocket Wheel or'jg'earvliwhich is fixed to a rotatable'shaft il, suitably 'supported in bearings, carried by a frame member i8. Thisl shaft also carries and drives a second sprocket gear |9 which is larger than the sprocket gear I6 and which drives an endless chain 20 (Figs. 4 and 17) which has driving engagement with a sprocket gear 2| mounted to turn about a stationary shaft 22 mounted between upright arms of a frame member 25 (Figs. 4 and 12) .y vfThe frame member lil is disposed vertically and is connected to the machine .frame 0 by means of. a beam 2.4 which also supports frame'member 25 carrying the control mechanism 23.

Referring to the diagrammatic showing in Fig. 12, the shaft 22 carries a magnetic clutch 25 which is free to rotate independently of shaft 22 and which'consists of a cylindrical disc and an extendedA hub ,member 26a freely mounted on shaft,l 22. Fixed to, the hub 26a, Vare .sprocket gear 2| and collector rings 29 and 30. Sprocket 2|` continuously drives clutch disc 25, and collector rings 29 and 30 serve to conduct electrical current to energize a magnetic coil Within the disc of magnetic clutch 26, which coil connected in series with collector rings 29 and 30 by means of wires (not shown) within the clutch hub. Insulatingblock 33 (Fig. 4), which is secured to the depending frame member 25, carries spring contact fingers 3| and 32 which engage collector rings 30 and 29 respectively.

Attached to frame member 25 is a magnetic brake 28 which consists of a cylindrical disc containing a magnetic coil and which is mounted so as to encircle stationary shaft 22. Between the disc of cluth 26 and brake 28 is mounted drive sprocket 2,1, which is free to rotate on shaft 22 anc'iwhich serves as an armature plate for clutch f 26 and brake 2&.` Y

Energizi-ng clutch disc 281- positvely connects the disc and sprocket 2T to drivcthcY sprocket' from lsprocket gear 2l. 'Deenerg'izng disc 26' re.

leases sprocket 21, and energizing brake 28 abruptly Vstops' the sprocket.

and 35.

The drive mechanism connecting drive shafb I f with drive sprockets 21 through cha-m515 20 and sprockets H, Hi, and 2t; is of proper ratio'so that pattern chain 34 moves` at a surfacen speed identical with tha-t of main corrvevirl'gbandsy l2a when* drive sprocket 2T is engaged" by'mag` netic clutch 2li.`

As shown inA Figs. 4^ andy 1'2, the endless pattern-holding` chain :itis` equipped lwith` a block' 48 which moves against thefree yieiding outer end of aA spring arm 49v whichv isA secured to "a stationary support' 50. On this support,- a stop` switch 5l is provided for stopping movement of chain 36 whenthe block rides under alrdlifts",y

spring arm' 49'. Switch 5f is rnountedin-a diag onal` position', and'A this switch is provided with a spring-pressed plunger rodY` icwhichprojectshorizontally in the direction of the spring arm, but A is not normally engaged by this am. The spring arm 4S!r is forced against'the outer end 'of the spring-pressed piunger rod 5Fa'by' the pressure of' the block 48, caused by-the travef of`1the, chain. In this waythe travelr' of the 'chain' 34 operates the stop switch 5| by' forcing the block 4U intoI engagement with the-'outer end ofthe spring'arrn 49, thereby forcing the spring arm intofengage@ ment with the outer end of the pnnger rod Btw.

Operation of Stop switch 5| `Ery inward' motion of plunger rod- 5to stops the movement of chain 34,- as presently explained.

Switch mechanism for starting chainy 34? when" a box unitmovesy to the stapling mechanismis'v shown in Figs". 9, 1i, I2, M,v and le?. A'start" switch 52,' containing a' normally closed contact* 5 2@ and a normally open contact 52a.' ismuntedf adjacent to the left conveying .band We, to `which' are attached the convex'ringv blocks for cvc-atil-ig thebox parts. The read' bikfwef 'casacca set-upcarrie's a cam lug 5f" which engages archer" 55' of a start switch lever 551.' The' switch flever 56 engages the upper end or a spring-pressedfrod 5'! of start switch 52 so that the contacts'. 52av and?l 52h are reversed when relier! 55'fs ldepressed by cam lugl 541, and this'starts'thefmovement chain 3d, as presentiy explained.

'Eiect'ricall power for `the' remotecntroi uillcch-Y anism' is supplied by a transformer and a.' reali-l' fiery' the eleotricai connections of the start.switchA 52',` stop switch; 5L, nfiagneti'c` clutch 28, and mage" netic 'brake 28 being clearly shown ini 12,-

At the time lead block 53 approachsrollerll bioch` 4'8 o'f the patternmolding chain is station# ary and 'is-'holding switch- Slt to close contanti tc;

and contact 52h of switch 52? is closed, magnetic brake '2c is. energized, 2t lsf opened. When the cam lug 'M of ll'amll blocksil of a box set-up causes reversad of' camerota. is'y previously described; clutch 2t c mentarny energized throughv contact 52av At the Sametime, magnetic brake 2a is released by opening of contact 52h. The cylindrical disc of--magnetic clutch 25 engages drive sprocket 2T so that pattern chain 34 is caused to move at. uniformspeed; being driven from driveshaft ll throughy chain 28. Block 48'r attached .to pattern chain- 34', releasesspring 'arm 49 and plunger rod Ela, thereby' reversing contactsin stop switch 5t to f closeicontactrllb. Lead block 53 simultaneously passes fromroller 5.5 of start switch 52, permit-l ting plunger rod 51 (Figs. 9, 10. and 11) to return to normal position and again closing contact 5217 and magnetic' clutch 2 6 remains energized through contact 52h of start switch 52 and contact 5lb of stopswitchf.

Pattern chain 34 now continues its travel at' uniform speed until it has completed. one revolution, when block 43 again engages spring arm 49! andiv plunger rod 5ta; to reverse contacts 0! stop switchV 5t; 'Magnetic clutch 25- is now released bythe opening of contact 5w, and magnetici brake Zit is energized through contact Sic of?? stop switch 5l' --and contact 52b-ofstart switch 52s:

Magnetic brake 28 now engagesV drive. sprocket 2l to; stop it and prevent further moti'oxrof pattern chain 34. In this manner, pattern chain 34. is causent to makey one complete revolutioniert the pass-age of each boxset-up or unit of; work undbrneathf the stitching heads'.

In ythe gap establishedby the combined' lengthso the tiel end' portions. of the wirestrands, be.;

tween the rear end of one group of asscmbledandi stitched box.' parte the forward. end of thief succeedingl group of box parts. to be'stitched'or stapied, the pattern `chain @twill -be at' rest: and

in this condition the magnetic. brake will remain' energized and: the magnetic clutchof thepatterrr chain will be inoperative.

The length or theY pattern cham web of. Gemme; f

be controlled by :the numberv of' links which are assembled to compose the `complete cham, and

number is determined by the length ofthe:-

assembly of box parts forv av particular box unit which is toY loeV passed through the .boze-making machine to befstapled by the automatically con trolled stapling mechanism. 1

AS suomi in. Figs, 3, 4,A and. rz, the endiess chain 34- s equipped 'on one side with a series ciad#- justahleoperatingA blocksrB'L and each n1.V

these blocks is provided with a lateral pin 38, and.

all: of the pins 3% projectv horizontally and outwardly of the chain 34..

The upper run of thel chain 34 travels; toward' the` sprocket 27, so that .the lateral 38 'are successively moved intovv engagement withfteetlr .7Bf or a. tu'rnstiie wheeiV it? (Eiga. 6 and ,..which` issuppoi'ted to turn on shaft 45:.; The Wheel, 4G vis provided withV a: cane head 42 which is formed with aA series. ofV cant-like. surf aces, 43 haiti-4 ing low points 43a and high points 43h.l These surfaces are arranged in multiple groups, and i112 the showing Fig.. 6,v threel groups ci? the camli'ke, surfaces. 43`r` are shown, each group having a' low point 43a andi Ia high point. 4st. All the low" points arefspaced equalry from thev center ofthe sha-ift Ml', and? alli the high points are spacedemialflyN from .the centerof the shaft, and the threefgrmrps* divide the surface of the head 421 equalflm metalf spring 4'4 'of atinateriai proiccwoveri the head 4Z, so :as: tosuccessively engage the low? points: i3d-and the high points 43h then-fof,Y This:

springisf supported at IE5,V and' the lower lemi-of a spring-piressedfpin Iorplungcr rod i5 engages" -5 the upper suriace or the free yielding outer-endg-` ofrthe spring 44. The upper end of this plunger rod 4S extends into a switch housing 41. When the turnstile wheel 401s turned, step by step, by theA successively advanced action of the lateral ypins 38, the free outer end of the spring 44 will for-ce .the lplunger pin or rod 46 upwardly; thereby operating ythe switch in the housing 41. The spacing of teeth 3S of turnstile wheel 40 is arranged to turn the head 42 one-sixth of a revolution by the pass-age of a single operating block pin 38. In this manner, thepassage of a pin 38 moves the head42 from a low point 43a to a high point 43h, or from a high point 43h to a low point 43a. Through flat spring 44 and plunger rod 46, switch 41 is thus opened by passage of the rst pin 38 and remains open until passage'of a secnd pill. 33.

The electrical connections for controlling the operation of the machine are best shown in Figs. 13 and 14. A solenoid control contactor 425 interlocks Velectrically the main clutch solenoid |20 and a conveyor clutch solenoid 31 in the manner described in said Patent No. 2,304,510. This is a magnetic switch which contains two normally open contacts and one normally closed contact. The` normally closed contact is connected in parallel'with staple control switch 41 which alternately deenergizes and energizes solenoid |20.

There is provided Ya synchronizing cam 420 keyed on the extreme right end of a clincher shaftc |62 (Fig. 17) projecting beyond the outside of the right'main frame l0. Fastened to abracket secured to Vright main frame |0 is a synchronizing switch 421 which normally is closed and which has fastened thereto, adjacent the synchronizing cam 420, an upwardly-extending member 422 which is contacted by a lobe 423 on the synchronizing cam 420 at the proper time of the solenoid control contacter 425, which series circuit is connected in parallel with the contact 429.

As heretofore stated, the staple positioning mechanism is electrically controlled and automatically operated by the pattern pins 38 carried by the pattern control chain 34, which pins operateswitch 41. As shown diagrammatically in Fig.

13, power is supplied to the staple positioning con-` trol circuit and to the drive motor 62 of the ma# chine `through a magnetic contactor 433. With the magnetic contactor 433 closed, the main drive motor 62 is'energized and power is available at the control circuit.

The sequence of operations which locate staples in the box sections as desired according to a selected pattern are as follows:

With the drive motor 62 rotating and the control circuit energized, current passes through closed contact 421 to energize the main clutch solenoid |20, thus holding the horizontal and vertical toggle linkages |24 and |26 in straight position and maintaining control shaft 92 in rocked position, which holds main clutch control brake 9'8 engaged, thereby keeping the main clutch released, and also holds the main brake 84 engaged, thus holding main shaft 59 stationary, all

as shown and described in said `Patent No. 2,304,510. A safety lever |25 is released manually from engagement with the horizontal toggle |24, which is pivotallyA connected to the main clutch solenoid plunger to permit such plunger to operate when actuated by pattern control switch 41.

To start operation of the machine, the handle 43| of the operators control switch 428 is moved to close contact 429. This energizes the solenoidcontactor 425 by current passing through the magnetic coil 432 and closes contacts 423 and 425a, while at the same time opening contact 421. Current passes through-contact 426a to energize conveyor clutch solenoid 61, which disengages the conveyor clutch brake 69 against the action of brake spring |58,l thus engaging the conveyor clutch.v

on pattern chain 34 to correctly position the.

staples as desired, continued movement of conveyor bands |2a will bring cam lug 54 of lead block 53 of the first box set-up into contact with roller 55 of start switch lever 56 (Figs. 9 and 11). Continued movement of cam lug 54 will depress lever 56 into engaging contact with the upper end `of the spring-pressed rod 51 of start switch 52V so that the contacts 52a and 52h (Fig. 12) are reversed to start movement of pattern chain 34. Movement of pattern chain 34 causes pin 38 on the first control block 31 of the pattern `to open switch 41, as heretofore explained. This will.

stop the current passing through solenoid |20, and the solenoid plunger will drop by action of a compression spring housed in the solenoid plunger, thereby breaking the horizontal toggle |24 (Fig. 13) which, in turn, breaks the vertical toggle |26 and permits control shaft 92 to rock by means of lever I3 connected thereto. This rocking motion of the control shaft 92 will release the main brake 84 and the control clutch brake 98 to permit the engaging of the main clutch, thereby causing rotation of the main shaft 59 and operation of the stapling mechanism to drive staples at regular intervals into the box parts Staples will continue to be driven at regular intervals until the pin 38 of the next block 31 on pattern control chain 34 operates switch 41 to close the same. Closing of switch 41 will energize main clutch solenoid |20 Aand stop the operation of the stapling mechanism.` The box parts continue to move, but no staplesare driven until the pin 38 of the next block 31 on pattern chain 34 operates switch 41 to onen the same andV thereby deenergizes the solenoid |20. `The arrangement is such that the control bocks on pattern chain 34 alternately throw the stapling mechanism into and out of operation. Thus,y it will be seen that the location of the staples in the work may be varied and controlled by the location ofthe staple control blocks 31 on pattern [chain 34.

As--heretofore explained, a suiiicient number of blocks 31 are set on pattern chain 34 to control the location of the fasteners in one unit of work. After the last staple has been driven in a unit of work; movement'of pattern chain 34 is automatically stopped by block 48 on chain 34 which operates stop switch 5| inthe manner hereinbefore explained. VChain 34 then remains at rest until to operate said controller alternately to start and stop said part in accordance with the selective spacing of said control members; a starter carried by the endless conveyer at a point thereon related to the position of the front end of a box unit for connecting upvsaid driverto move the chain, and a stopper independent of said control members and carried by the chain at a point related to the position of a. predetermined point along the length of a box unit for disconnecting said driver to stop the chain whereby the position and movement of the chain are correlated with the continuously moving conveyer and so with the position and movement of each box unit through the machine and like operations are performed by said part in connection with each of the succession of variably-spaced box units by movements of said chain.

3. In a box-making machine having stapling mechanism for driving staples into box parts. a control switch for said stapling mechanism, and a continuously moving endless conveyer adapted to feed a plurality of spaced box units continuously to the stapling mechanism, in combination apparatus to control the operations of the stapling mechanism to drive staples at predetermined points in the box units comprising an endless chain having a length proportioned to the length of a box unit located adjacent said control switch, a series of selectively spaced staplecontrol members carried by the chain and movable by the chain to operate said control switch to Acause said stapling mechanism to drive staples while a box unit is passing beneath the stapling mechanism, a drive to move the chain at the speed of the conveyer, a starting switch for conditioning said drive to move the chain, a starting switch-operating part carried by the conveyer for operating said starting switch, a stopping switch independent of said starting switch for conditioning said drive to stop the chain, a stopping switch-operating part independent of said control members and carried by the chain for operating said stopping switch, said starting and stopping switch-operating parts respectively being adjustable along said conveyer and chain to cause said chain to start moving when the front end of each successive box unit reaches the stapling mechanism, and to cause said chain to stop after the last staple has been driven, and after the chain has completed a revolution, whereby the position and movement of each box unit through the stapling mechanism and a like location of staples is effected in a succession of variably spaced box units on said endless conveyer.

4. In a box-making machine having an endless conveyer adapted to feed continuously to the machine a plurality of box parts arranged to form spaced box units and having apparatus to control the operation of a part of the machine in synchronism with the movement of said box units by said endless conveyer to convert the box parts into fabricated box units, in combination, a control switch for controlling the operating of said part, an endless chain adjacent said controlswitch and having a length proportioned to the length of a box unit, a series of selectively spaced control members carried by the chain and movable by the chain to operate said control switch to cause said part to operate on box parts being conveyed to said machine by said conveyer, a drive to move the chain only-at the speed of the conveyer, a starting switch for conditioning said drive to move the chain, a starting switch-operating part carried by the conveyer for operating 12 said starting switch, a stopping 'switch adjustably mounted for conditioning said drive to stop the chain, a stopping switch-operating partv carried by the chain'and independent of said; control members for operating said stopping switch,.said starting and stopping switch-operating parts respectively being adjustable ,along said conveyer and chain to cause said chain to start moving when the front end of each successive box-unit `reaches the machine, and to cause said chainy to stop after a lpredetermined length of thebox unit has passed through the machine, and Vafter the chain has completed a revolution, whereby the position and movement of each box 'unit through the machine andlike operations of said part of said machine is `effected on a succession of variably-spaced box units on said endless conveyer.

5. In a box-making 'machine having stapling mechanism for driving staples into .box parts, a control switch forv starting and stopping the stapling mechanism, a continuously-moving conveyer adapted to feed a pluralitylof spaced box units to the stapling mechanism and having mechanism `to control the operations` ofthe stapling mechanism to drive staples at predetermined points in the box units: comprising'a pattern holdermounted adjacent said control switch, and selectively spaced staple controlrmembers mounted on the pattern holder and/movable by the pattern holder to operate said controll switch alternately to start and stop the stapling mechanism while a box unit is passing beneath the stapling mechanism; in combinationfa drive to move the pattern holder, and apparatus automatically controlling the movement of the pattern holder to start movementv of the pattern holder when each box unit reaches `the stapling mechanism and to stop the movement of the pattern holder after the last staple has been driven into eachbox unit, whereby the movement of the pattern holder is correlated with the movement of each box unit beneath `the stapling: mechanism andalikelocationof staples 'may be elfected in a succession of variably spaced box units, said apparatus comprising a stationarystarting member located beside said continuously moving conveyer'for conditioning said Vdrive to move the patternl holder, a plurality of spaced parts carried by said conveyer and 'located-at points thereon related tothe positions ofthe forward ends of the successive box units forY operating-said starting member, and a stationary stopping member located besidesaid pattern holder forconditioning said drive to stop the pattern holder, and a part carried by the pattern holder and independent of said plurality of spaced parts for'operating said'stationary stopping member and so located as Yto stop said member always in position for said starting movement.V

6. In a box-making machine having stapling mechanism for driving staples'into box parts,

,a control switch for starting and'st'opping the stapling mechanism and4 a continuously moving conveyer adapted" to feed a plurality of nspaced box units to the stapling mechanism: apparatus Vto control the Voperations of the stapling'. mechanism to locate staples at predetermined points in the box units,A comprising -a pattern Y holder mounted adjacent said control' switch, a set of selectively spaced staple control members'mounted on the pattern holder, and movable by the pattern holder to. operate'said control switch alternately to startl and stop thestapling mechanism while a boxl unit is `passing;beneaththe stapling mechanism, a drive to rnove the pattern holder, and an .electrical circuitautomatically controlling `the drive .to connect said .drive to move the v.pattern .holder when each box `unit reachesthe stapling mechanisml .and to disconf,

nect the drive and stop the vmovement ofthe pattern holder after the last staple has been driven into each :box unit, whereby the movement of the said drive.

7. In a box-making machine having an operaytion performing mechanism, `a control switch,

and an endless conveyer adapted .successively to feed through the .machine Vbox parts arranged .to

.zforrn spaced :box units: apparatus automatically nto :operate the control switch lat selected times to cause said operation .performing mechanism `,to .operate at selected'times in connection with .each said :box unit comprising, an endless chain, selectively spaced control members carried by said Vchain and forming a timing pattern forfthe v.operation of said operation performing mechaf'l nism by .successively operating the 4control switch upon movement of the chain, a drivefor moving the chain to bring said control members successively into position to operate the control switch, a Icircuit for controlling said drive, -a switch "in said circuit operated by movement of the conveyer to condition said .drive to move `the chain, and an adjustably mounted switch in said circuit operated by movement of said chain' to condition said drive tostop said chain, whereby movement of the chain may be correlated with movement through the machine of each of a succession of variably spaced box units.

.8. In a box-making machine having a stapler, a stapler control switch, and an endless conveyer adapted successively to feed spaced box 'units to and vforming a timing pattern for locating vsta-ples in a box *unitY by successively operating the stapler switch upon movement of the chain, a drive for, moving the chain to bring said control members" Vsuccessively into position to operate the stapler switch, a circuit for controlling Said drive; va

switch in said circuit to condition said drive to VAl( "along, comprising, an .endless chain carrying .se-

lectively spaced control .members forming a tim- .;ing pattern for a box -unit and adapted successively to operate the control `switch upon move- 4ment of the chain, a .drive to move the chain to bring said members successively. into Aposition to operate the control switch, va starting switchY operable successively .by selectively placed :members .on

'fthe conveyer to. condition said drive to move the chain .each box unitjreaches the operation performing mechanism, and an adjustably mounted stopping switchroperable by a selectively -placedzmemberon thechain to conditionrsaid drive to rstop the movement of the chain after the move Vsaid chain, a switch-operator carried'byv said conveyer to operate said switch, and a second'l switch in said circuit for conditioning said drive to stop said chain, and a second switchoperator carried by said chain and independent of said said operation performing mechanism to operate oneach box unit at predetermined points therecontrol members to operate said switch,'whereby.y

last cfa series of operations is performed by said .operation performing mechanism on a box'unit.

1.0. In a -box-making machine having a switch controlled .operation performingY mechanism, a control switch therefor, and anY endless conveyer adapted to feed a plurality of spaced box units to the operation performing mechanism; apparatus to operate the `control switch at selected times to 'cause said operation performing mechanism to operate on each box unit at predetermined points therealong comprising, a pattern holder carrying selectively spaced-control members for a box `unit adapted successively to oper-ate the control switch upon movement of the pattern holder, a drive to `move the pattern holder to bring said members successively into position to 4operate the control switch, a starting switch operable successively by selectively placed members on the conveyer lto condition said drive to start movement of the pattern holder when each box unit reaches 'the operation performing mechanism, and an adjustably mounted stopping switch operable by a member associated with the pattern holder to condition said drive to stop the movement of the pattern holder after a `complete revolution thereof.

l1'. In a box-making mach-ine' having operation lperforming mechanism, a control-switch and a conveyer movable at a constant speed to feed successively spaced box units to the operation perfor-ming mechanism: apparatus to control the operation of the opera-tionjperforming mechanism comprising a pattern holder and control -members thereon selectively spaced to operate the control switch upon movement of the pattern 'holder through a cycle to cause the operation performing mechanism to operate at predetermined points on each box unit moving through the machine, a drive to move the pattern onlyfat thespeed of said conveyor to bring the control members successively into'position' to operate the control switch, a circuit for controlling the starting and stoppingof the pattern holder without interrupting the lmovement of the conveyer, said circuit -being conditioned by movement of vsaid conveyer to connect the drive to move the pattern holder and being subsequently conditioned by movement of said pattern holder to disconnect the drive to stop the pattern holder, whereby the movementof the pattern holder may be corre'- lated with the movement through the machine of each *of a succession of variably spaced box units to effect like operations by said operation performing mechanism on each box unit.

12. In a ,box-making machine having operation-performing mechanism, a control switch, andv a conveyer adapted toV feed successively spaced box units through the machine; the com,- -binationy of a pattern holder and control members thereon selectively spaced to operate thecontrol switch .upon movement of the4 pattern holder through a cycle to cause the operation-perform- ,units to effect each box unit `ing Vmechanism to operate at Apredetermined ,point-s on each box unit moving through the machine, a driveto move the pattern Vholderto bring the control members successively into position to operate the control switch, a circuit for controlling the starting and stopping of the pattern holder without interrupting. the movement of the conveyer, a first switch in said circuit Y and a switch-operator for said rst switch carried by said conveyer to operate said switch to conditionsaid circuit to connect the drive to move the pattern holder, an adjustably mounted switch .in said circuit and a switch-operator carried by said pattern holder t operate said second switchto condition the circuitrto disconnect the drive 'to4 `Astop movement of said pattern holder, .whereby V the movement of the patternholder may be correlated with the movement through the machine of., each of a succession of Vvariably spaced box 13..Inv a Vbox-blank-malsing machine having stapling mechanism for successively driving lstaples into box parts, a continuously moving endless conveyer for feeding to the-stapling .mech

anism a plurality of box parts and provided with sets of boX-parts-spacing elements arranged around said conveyer, each set being Varranged to hold box parts for a box-blank unit, a drive for v.driving the stapling` mechanismat a iixed `rate V:and a clutch for connecting and disconnecting thedrive in combination, apparatus for operating -the clutch to control the operation of the stapling A,mechanism to drive staples at desiredA points, in

the box parts as they move past the stapling mechanism, said: apparatus comprising a sta-f tionary switch for operating the clutch, a pattern holder movable past the switchhinr `successive cycles, a pattern-holder drive to drive the pattern holder at a speed having a fixed ratio witherespe'ct tothe speed of the conveyer, switch-operspeed ratio the same as the ratio of the spacing Ybetween said switch-.operating parts tothe spacing of the points along the box parts where stapling is to start and stop, and members respectively carried by said conveyer and pattern holder for respectively controlling the starting and stopping of said pattern holder to synchro-V- d nize the movement of said pattern holdenwith the movement of each successive box-blank unit fed to said stapling mechanism by said continuously moving conveyer.

14. In a box-blank-making machine havingstapling mechanism for successively driving lstaples into box parts, a continuously moving endless conveyerV for feeding to the stapling mechanism a plurality of box parts and provided with sets of bcx-parts-spacing elements arranged around said conveyer, each set being arranged to hold box parts for a box-blank unit, a drive for driving the stapling mechanism at a fixed rate anda clutch for connecting and disconnecting the drive, in combination, apparatus for operating the clutch to control the operation of the stapling mechanism to drive staples at desired points in the box parts as they lmove past the stapling mechanism said apparatus ,comprising a stationary switch for operatingthe clutch,a

lp'attern holder-movableY past theswitch in suo- `Tcessive cycles,V a pattern-holder drive to drive the pattern holder ata speed having a fixed ratio with respect to the speed of the conveyer, switch-operating parts located in spaced relation along the pattern'holder and forming a timing pattern to controlthe stapling operations per box-blank Y. unit, said spacingfcorresponding to the spacing Abetweenthe points on said box parts at which staple drivingis desired to `start and at which'it between said switch-operating parts to the spacv:gin'g'of 'the points along the box parts where stalpling `is to start and stop,. and a circuit for con- -zi;,trolling"said pattern-holder drive to stop and start the pattern holder, said circuit being'condii tioned `by movementfofsaid conveyer to 'connect the pattern-holder` drive to drive the pattern holder and being,v subsequently conditioned by f movement of the pattern holder to cause the pattern-,holder drivetostop movement of the pattern holder, thereby tofsynchronize the movement of said pattern holder. with the movement of .each

-successlvexbox-blank unit .fed to f said stapling `mechanism by said continuously moving conveyer.

15.,In a box-blank-making machine havingian operating, performing mechanism for performing an operation on box parts,y an endless conveyer for `feeding to the, machine laplurality of box parts,

said `conveyerhaving` setsfof spacing elements arranged around the conveyer, each set arranged @tog position box parts for a box unit, in combination, apparatus for controlling the operation of 'said operation performing mechanism Ito cause Ythe mechanismgtooperate on'said box parts at -desiredpointson each box-unit moving through saidrmachinepfsaid apparatus comprising,V a stationary switch for controlling the operation of the operation performingmechanism, -a pattern holder independent` of said conveyer and movable past said switch in-successive cycles, a drive for driving theV pattern holder at a speed having a ratio fixed with respect to the speed of the conveyer, switch-operating parts spaced along said pattern holder-andrforming a timing pattern for thevoperationlperforming mechanism per boxblank unit forcausingsad operation performing mechanism to operate on each box unit at desired spaced points, the spacing of said switchoperating parts `around said pattern holder being l related to the spacing between points on said box Yunitsatl which operations are tofbe performed by said operation -performing mechanism, and the `iixed ratio of speed of pattern holder to speed of conveyer-being equal to the ratio of the `distances between the parts on said pattern holder and the distancesbetween said points on said box units.

16. In abox-making machine having an operation performing mechanism, aV control switch,

an endlessV conveyer provided with selectively `spaced block s for positioning and feeding a plurality of box parts arranged to form spaced box units, and a power drive for moving the conveyer throughthe machine at substantially a uni.- form continuous speed: apparatus to control the operations of the operation performing mechavrii'sm to perform operations on said box parts at @predetermined selected points along the box units, comprising,an endless Achain shorter in length than theendless conveyer, a series of selectively spaced, control members for a box unit carried bythe chain and upon movement of the `chain successively `contacting and operating the control switch to cause the operation performing mechanism to operate on box'jparts .of a box unit passing throughtheimaclina'an electrically controlled driving connection betweenY vtheY power drive andthe chain to move the chain with the conveyer at selected times, and operatorscontrolling saiddriving connection to start a movement of the chain-when' each `box unitv reaches a predetermined position-inthe machine and to stop movement of the chain after each box unit has travelled a predetermined distance past said point, said operators comprising a first switch, and selectively spaced blocks on the conveyer for operating said switch to condition said driving connection to drive the chain, and a second switch, and a block on said chain to operate said second switch to condition said driving connection to stop said chain, whereby the movement of the chain is correlated with the movement through the machine of each of a succession of spaced box units and a like operation of said operation performing mechanism may be effected on a succession of variably spaced box units.

17. In a box-making machine having an operation performing mechanism, a control switch, an endless conveyer provided with selectively spaced blocks for positioning and feeding a plurality of box parts arranged to form spaced box units, and a power drive for moving the conveyor through the machine at substantially a uniform continuous speed: apparatus to control the operations of the operation performing mechanism to perform operations on said box parts at predetermined selected points along the box units,

comprising, a pattern holder holding selectively spaced controlling members for a box unit operable upon movement of the pattern holder, successively to contact and operate the control switch whereby the operation performing mechanism is alternately started and stopped while a box unit is passing through the machine, a controllable driving connection between the pattern holder and the power drive to move the pattern with the conveyer at selected times, and operators for controlling said driving connection to start a movement of the pattern holder when each box unit reaches the operation performing mechanism and to stop movement of the Apattern holder after a complete revolution thereof, said operators comprising, a starting switch, selectively spaced blocks on the conveyer to operate said starting switch to condition said driving connection to drive the pattern holder, a stopping switch, a block movable by said pattern holder to operate said stopping switch to condition said driving connection to stop the pattern holder, whereby the movement of the pattern holder is correlated with the movement through the machine of each of a succession of spaced box units and like operations of said operation performing mechanism may be effected on a succession of variably spaced box units.

18` In a box-blank-making machine having an operationr performing mechanism for successively performing operations on box parts arranged to form a box-blank unit, an endless conveyer for conveying box parts to the operation performing mechanism prearranged to form a Vbox-blank unit, a drive shaft to drive the conveyor, and a circuit to control the operation of said operation performing mechanism, in combination; an endless pattern holder carrying control members which by their movement past a switch condition said circuit either to cause the operation per- 'forming mechanism "to operate or not to operate on said box-blank units,mechanism forv driving said endless pattern holder, comprising, a rotatable driving member over which said pattern holder passes, a rotatable gear continuously connected to and driven by said drive shaft, a magnetic clutch for engaging said rotatable gear and driving member to drive the pattern holder, a magnetic brake for stopping Vsaid rotatable driving member, a starter switch operated by movement of said conveyer simultaneously to energize said magnetic clutch and deenergize said magnetic brake, a stopper switch operated by movement of said endless pattern holder after a complete revolution thereof to deenergize said magnetic clutch and to energize said magnetic brake to stop said pattern holder, whereby said pattern holder is started by movement of said conveyer and is stopped after each complete revolution of the pattern holder.

19. In a box-making machine having as an operation performing mechanism a control switch therefor, a continuously moving conveyer adapted to feed successively spaced box units to the operation performing mechanism, the combination of a pattern holder, and control members thereon selectively spaced to operate the control switch Iupon movement of the pattern holder through a cycle to cause the operation performing mechanism to operate on each box unit at predetermined points therealong, a drive to move the pattern holder to bring the control members successively into Aposition to operate the control switch, a circuit for controlling the starting and stopping of the pattern holder in coordination with the movement of the conveyer, a rst switch in said circuit, and a switch operator for said first switch carried by said conveyer to operate said switch to condition said circuit to connect the drive to move the pattern holder, a second switch in said circuit, and a switch operator carried by said pattern holder to operate said second switch to condition the circuit to disconnect the drive to stop movement` of said pattern holder, and a support for said second switch adjustable with respect to the pattern holder whereby the position of said switch may be adjusted to cause said pattern holder to stop at the desired position with respect to said 4.control switch so that the movement of the pattern holder may be correlated with movement of said variably spaced box units by said conveyer.

20. In a box-making machine having an operation performing mechanism, a control switch, 'and an endless conveyer adapted successively to feed box parts arranged to form spaced box units to the machine: apparatus automatically to operate the control switch at selected times to cause said operation performing mechanism to operate at selected times in connection with each said box unit comprising, a pattern holder, selectively spa-ced control members carried by said pattern holder and forming a timing pattern for the operation of said operation performing mechanism by successively operating the control switch upon relative movement between said control switch and said pattern holder, a drive for relatively moving said pattern holder and control switch to bring said control members and control switch into successive positions to operate the control switch, a ycircuit for ycontrolling said drive, a switch in said circuit operated by movement of the conveyer to condition said drive to produce said relative movement 

